Kenneth W. Wright: Make Biscayne National Park accessible

May 6, 2012|By Kenneth W. Wright

Re Regulations for Biscayne National Park

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission is the state's appointed partner of Biscayne National Park, the marine sanctuary located just south of Miami. It was in that role, representing the Commission as its vice chair, that I testified this past week before a Congressional subcommittee reviewing the Biscayne National Park General Management Plan.

We are concerned about the recent proposal by the Park Service that would severely limit access to areas of the park by the public, particularly fishermen and boaters.

After years of study, a number of proposals were made to protect this magnificent marine sanctuary. The Park, without involving the state of Florida's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which by law is responsible for managing fish and wildlife resources in the state, issued a final recommendation that would virtually ban fishing in an area of about 10,000 marine acres. There clearly was no effort to examine several science-based management plans, or deal with any compromise or alternative.

Other more reasonable alternatives include allowing fishing but with more restrictive fishing regulations or species-specific spawning closures. Recreational activities in this area provide a substantial economic engine for South Florida, creating a ripple effect of economic benefits across the entire state.

I want to express the view that the state of Florida and the Commission are essential partners with the federal government in making sure the park will be enjoyed by generations to come.

We know from experience in order to achieve our goals, public access and recreation must be sustained and of course sustainable. There must be a balance between appropriate management and accessibility.

Kenneth W. Wright is the vice chairman for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in Orlando.